Ubud, also called the Heart of Bali, is located less than an hour drive north of the Denpasar airport. Unlike the bustling, tourist-filled Seminyak or Kuta, Ubud radiates incredible tranquility and harmony. Never in a rush, the locals take great pride in tradition, nature’s values and beliefs for generations. And right in the middle of this idyllic place, blended into the wild and sometimes untamed nature, looming proudly above the treetops and bushes are the Furama villas.
Furama Villas & Spa and FuramaXclusive Villas & Spa, are neighboring, five-star, sister resorts that belong to the Furama Hotels International chain. Both establishments, making use of the ecological practices, were built with full respect to the nature around them. That way they also provide their visitors with an authentic Balinese experience cultivated so much in Ubud. Furama offers an array of picturesque villas with private pools and luxurious suites with an unorthodox access to the lagoon. These boutique-style properties, sharing most facilities like restaurants and bars together providing guests with equally exciting experiences.
The Furama and FuramaXclusive houses make a cozy haven, where luxury plays a huge part. Each private villa is arranged in a combination of rustic Balinese style with the western more modern interior decor (especially evident in FuramaXclusive). Thatched roofs, ceilings with large exposed beams, hemp beds with canopies, cozy tropical gardens and own pool, offering an incredible sense of privacy and relaxing leisure in an atmosphere of harmony and peace.
Furama Villas also offers incredible additional attractions. I recommend starting the day with a delicious floating breakfast served by the pool. Nothing can put one in a more wonderful mood than juicy fruits and freshly brewed, Balinese coffee sipped at sunrise while floating about lazily. Next thing to do is to visit the hotel’s spa, where one can find both something for mind and body. After taking a pick from the unique selection of different types of wellness treatments, listening to the rustling of the grass and different trees, under a gentle breeze, with a breathtaking landscape, the relaxing massage will leave everyone incredibly invigorated. To cap off the day, a place not to be skipped is the Padi restaurant, occupying two very spacious floors with an unforgettable view of the entire resort. Padi mostly serves delicious Asian cuisine. My personal favorites are the mushroom soup, seafood salad, freshly baked bread, and the Indonesian curried snapper. The menu was perfectly crafted to suit everyone’s taste, no matter how refined!
Furama Villas & Spa and FuramaXclusive Villas & Spa are mystical places, surrounded by a fertile land that gave birth to numerous rice terraces. The scenery filled with lush vegetation, combined with the honest smiles on workers’ faces, their willingness to help and to serve each of their visitors with devoted diligence, will put many people in a care-free mood and leave nostalgia in their heart for a long time after leaving this idyllic and magical place.